Dog Bite Victims in Garden City, NY Benefit From Important Change in Law

Were you or a loved one injured in a dog attack? Contact the experienced Garden City dog bite lawyers at Miller, Montiel & Strano today to discuss your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

Until April 17, 2025, victims of dog attacks in New York often faced major obstacles in pursuing compensation. The previous law left many injured individuals without legal recourse, even after suffering serious injuries. Fortunately, a recent change in the law now provides new options for dog bite victims.

The Old Law: Strict Liability with Limitations

Under the previous rules, dog owners were subject to strict liability only if they knew or should have known that their dog had aggressive tendencies. While strict liability theoretically allowed victims to recover damages without proving fault, in practice, proving the dog’s “vicious propensities”—sometimes called the “one-bite rule”—was extremely difficult.

Evidence such as barking, snapping, or baring teeth was generally insufficient unless the dog had a documented history of attacks. As a result, many victims of dog attacks went uncompensated, despite facing serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma.

The Landmark Change: Negligence Claims Now Allowed

New York State’s Court of Appeals has now confirmed that victims of dog attacks can pursue a negligence claim in addition to the traditional strict liability claim.

Negligence involves a failure to exercise ordinary care. Examples of negligence that can now support a claim include:

• Failing to keep a dog on a leash in public,
• Allowing a dog to lunge at a visitor by opening a door carelessly, or
• Leaving a dog roaming freely on the street.

This change is crucial for victims who previously had no viable case under strict liability rules. Now, injured parties can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering when the dog owner’s carelessness contributed to the attack.

How This Affects Victims in Garden City

At Miller, Montiel & Strano, we have extensive experience representing victims of dog attacks, including attacks by dogs, horses, and other domestic or farm animals. The addition of negligence claims means we can now help more clients in Garden City and Long Island who previously had limited legal options.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, it’s important to act quickly. The new law ensures victims are no longer left without recourse when injured by an owner’s careless actions.

Don’t wait—contact the Garden City dog bite attorneys at Miller, Montiel & Strano today. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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